Development of Nano-Structured Hemocompatible Surfaces

Abstract

Hemocompatible surfaces are crucial to the
performance of many biomedical devices. One of the
requirements for such surfaces is the ability to resist the
build-up of proteins from blood. We have been investigating
the use of surface topography to minimize fluid-surface
interaction with the goal that this phenomenon can then be
exploited to decrease protein deposition on biomedical
surfaces. This paper presents theoretical backing for the
effect of surface structure on fluid wetting. We demonstrate
the ability to control fluid-surface interaction by modifying
surface structure. In one experiment, the apparent contact
angle of a surface has been changed from 100Â° (flat surface)
to 160Â° (structured surface). We present several alternative
methods of creating micro-structure over a large area. We
also show progress towards a method to manufacture nanoscale
surface strutures over a large area.